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Friday, 22 April 2016

# 9 - Manly Ferry

At number 9, it's a ferry. It's manly. It's the Manly Ferry. Perhaps surprisingly, the Manly Ferry comes in fully 77 places above the Manly Fast Ferry. Is a single four letter word really worthy of 77 places of difference in the list of the top 100 things to do in Sydney?

Sailing away from Manly

Well, let me put my cards on the table nice and early by saying no. In fact, I'll go one step further. Or maybe several steps further. Frankly, I've no idea what constitutes a step when talking about the level of difference between different activities in a list of things to do. It's probably not that important. What is important, in my view, is the fact that the Manly Fast Ferry sells beer, whereas the Manly Ferry does not.

Looking wistfully into the distance, thinking about beer

Now, I appreciate that not everyone who reads this blog will be a raging alcoholic. Some of you may be borderline. But regardless of your levels of alcoholism, surely having the option to have a drink is preferable to not having the option? If you don't want it, you don't need to have it. However, there are few nicer places to enjoy a beer than cruising through Sydney harbour.

For the avoidance of doubt, I'm joking about the importance of the beer. Alcohol should only be enjoyed in moderation. Please drink responsibly. The Manly Ferry has been voted by the patrons of TripAdvisor as the 9th best thing to do in Sydney for a reason. It is a fantastic journey, and an excellent way to see some of Sydney harbour. It starts in a stunning location with a plethora of activities and sights, and ends in a stunning location with a plethora of activities and sights. I can quite confidently say that without knowing which side of the journey you intend to start from.

Ferries leaving Cicular Quay - check the size of that ferry on the right

It's probably a bit late in the review to be stating this, but the Manly Ferry is the standard commuter ferry that runs between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf. The route takes you past the Opera House, through Sydney Harbour towards Manly. The scenery is sensational, and the ferry is big and comfortable, despite its lack of beer. It is one of the traditional green and yellow ferries, and has plenty of seats both inside and out.

The journey takes about 40 minutes, compared to about 20 minutes in the fast ferry. I notice on the website it claims 30 minutes, so I may be doing it a disservice. Maybe some readers can time it and add a comment to confirm one way or the other. If the weather is bad, it can get choppy, so you might want to bear that in mind if it is not a glorious sunny day when you make the trip. On a nice day, there are few places that are better to be than on the Manly Ferry. Well, arguably on the Manly Fast Ferry with a beer, but I said few, not none...

You can always catch up on your missed beer time once you get to Manly

Is beer that important to your journeys? Disappointed in my lack of puns regarding the fact that Manly is not just the name of a place, but also a word for something which has the characteristics of a man? Please fill up the space in the comments section below with some actual comments.

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About Me

I am originally from Glasgow, in Scotland, but currently live in Singapore with my wife. I have previously lived in Dublin and Sydney. I love to travel, drink beer and watch sport; where possible, all three at once.